2019 Honda CB650R Test Ride and Review

Honda CB650R Specs:
hondanews.com/powersports/rel...
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[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Correction. The ABS version of the bike comes with standard traction control.

[@minnsminns]

And in the EU new bikes have to have ABS so all of them have ABS and traction :)

[@meersonne83]

In fact you get two bikes. The gentle version for beginners and the screaming version for those who get used to pure power. Knocking you off …no…you always get what u expect, but when the bike is screaming you simply smile with pleasure. Amazing little thing!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

It's one of the few bikes that my wife who is a beginner could be totally fine riding, but I could also take and rip up the road with.

[@God1stProductions]

just got my honda cb650f yesterday as my first bike....love it

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

That’s a pretty cool first bike. Congrats!

[@CorePathway]

In-line 4s are so much fooking fun to wind out. That’s the character; the high rpm rush that keeps on coming.

[@nilo.niezki5843]

Nice test RIDE and review, New subs here. Keep it up man 👏

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Thanks a lot! Much appreciated :)

[@aWardAvs]

Abs version comes standard with traction control. I only know this because I just purchased this bike haha. Great video by the way!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Nice! Thanks for the correction!

[@aWardAvs]

Different Spokes TV thank you for the excellent video!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

You're welcome. Glad you liked it.

[@cliveomahoney4096]

Normally, bikes in the US are much cheaper than in the UK. The CB650R, which I've just bought, is the same price. Here, it's a no brainer. More power and better quality than an MT07 and not much more expensive. The suspension alone makes it a much better bike and easily worth the £500 extra. 4 cylinder bikes have character: they're smooth and silky. The 650 is lower geared to compensate for the difference in torque compared to the twins. Win -win. Thanks for the vid. Loved it.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

You’re welcome! Thanks for your comment.

[@gurgenmakaryan4428]

It's not better quality than mt 07, wich is made in Japan and not in Thailand

[@cliveomahoney4096]

So what? Most Triumphs are made in Thailand. I've owned the MT, Tracer 700 and, now, the Honda. All are great bikes, with brilliant engines. But, the build down to price is much more evident on the Yams (which I also love to bits).

[@Artkreator]

The FZ07 is a beautiful bike and was the no.1 on my list until I laid my eyes on this gorgeous CB650R. A Retro middle weight naked sports bike with a inline 4 is a dream. A future ride for sure.

[@matthewoppen1602]

Im so glad you blurred out the indecent parts of the competitor bikes, i don't think my eyes would have taken such abuse 😂😂 in all seriousness i enjoyed watching the video thanks for making it.

[@BennyZ88]

Hey this is GP Bikes in Whitby! Planning on buying my cb650r there next summer! Cheers from Pickering.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Awesome! Good luck! It's a good place to get it. Cheers from Toronto.

[@RockstarVeganRecipes]

Haha, licence losing territory. Fantastic video.

[@zoom9897]

Yes, It does have traction control

[@t5saj198]

Great video. I’m test riding on coming Saturday

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Have fun. It's a great bike.

[@t5saj198]

I test rode cb500x last week. I know they are two diff bikes, which one would you recommend?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

That really depends on what you want to do with it. The 500X is more comfortable for touring, way better off-pavement, and better for carrying a passenger. The 650R is sportier, faster, more exciting and handles better on the pavement. If you're going far or ride around a lot with a passenger get the 500. If you want to sport ride and never go off road then the 650R is better for you. Either way, they're both Honda quality so you can't go wrong. Good luck with your choice.

[@t5saj198]

Thanks for your reply. Really is great bike cb650r

[@EllaBananas]

My guess as to why people consider inline fours to be "vanilla" or "lacking character" is because inline fours for the longest time were the default. Any bike you wanted to move quickly, you made an inline four. And after all the years of the inline four being the engine layout to use people got used to them I guess. And now you don't need an inline four to make good power you can go with a twin and make plenty. I feel like for most people, those who don't review bikes for a living, probably would find an inline four full of character. Personally given every thing I've ridden and driven, I'm a big fan of a high rpm power band.

[@fleshpie2129]

that black GSXR at the start of the video like 0:29, which model is it? To me handlebars semms to be quite high

[@victorw5796]

What I want to know is what is the bike in front of you? For a dual sport or dirt bike, that was really impressive to stay ahead of you like that. I didn't know they were that fast.

[@latenght7922]

Were you at GP Bikes? That looks exactly like the same place I got my first motorcycle the Honda Grom which I love a lot and insurance was dirt cheap. Nice to see riders in Canada aswell:) Im thinking of upgrading to that exact same bike but I might test drive it soon.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep, GP. It’s a great choice of bike if you go with it.

[@ianm432]

I really wanted to test ride this bike but no test rides in southern Ontario this past summer.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Honda lists their demo days on the internet. Look up places like GP bikes for when their test rides are and show up early. Should be able to snag a test ride.

[@smiley50ish]

love the bike anyone else think it needs a tailtidy like all the cbrs on the 125 version at moment toss up between this and triumph street twin for next bike any replies welcome

[@susanlarson308]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@davexs]

Fair enough mate, but you still couldn't take the CRF....hahaha...:D

[@Supernova12034]

Might make more power, but its priced to compete against 850-900s, and when compared to those, it makes less power

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Good point.

[@CorePathway]

You do pay more for inline-4s and that gorgeous exhaust, fit and finish.

[@svenvb1565]

Nice video! Very helpful! Btw, how tall are you?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

SvenVB15 Thanks. I’m 5’11” or 181cm tall. For more on this bike check out my more recent vid comparing it to a Ducati Scrambler.

[@AK-eo8dt]

Dobry filmik

[@louiegadiana421]

Comparing kawasaki z650, yamaha MT07 and cb650r. What would be best as first bike?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

The Kawasaki and Yamaha are quite a bit lighter than the Honda because it's a four cylinder. The Honda is the most powerful but not at low revs because fours have a soft power delivery at the bottom. You have to rev it to get the big power. The Yamaha has the biggest kick off the bottom and could be a bit much as a first bike. The Kawasaki is the friendliest of the three and still has plenty of power to be entertaining. They're all good though. Another bike to consider is the Suzuki SV650. Good luck with your decision.

[@Carlos75_]

Very good motorbike !!!!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yeah, it's pretty sweet.

[@Carlos75_]

Different Spokes TV oh yes !!!👍🏻

[@infected6996]

more impressed by that 450L, was that thing stock?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Yep. All the bikes were bone stock demos. The 450 did well all things considered.

[@Carlos75_]

👍🏻

[@Allen-eq5uf]

I always felt Honda is the most reliable also,but Suzuki was a close 2nd.

[@darkburn1000]

120 top speed OKAY

[@adamchc3701]

well about price in uk 2020 cb650r cost almost the same as 2020 ninja 650 and about £299 ( about $360 ) more expensive than 2020 z650

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I'd take the Honda over the Kawasaki if they were the same price for sure.

[@mageshjohny]

Are there any vibrations in the handle bar or foot pegs ? How would you rate the overall ride quality?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Magesh Johny I only felt the vibes when hard on the throttle. When doing a constant speed I found the bike quite smooth and the seating position quite natural. Recently rode the KTM 790 which price wise would be a competitor, and the two bikes were comparable in their comfort level, meaning that you could ride them comfortably for a few hours but probably wouldn’t want to cross a continent on them. There is nothing that will turn you off about the bike in terms of ride or build quality. It’s typically Honda-good. Hope that helps.

[@mageshjohny]

Thanks for responding! I am confused between Versys 300, MT-03 and now CB650R. I will be using my motorcycle for commute 70% of the time and for touring 30% of the time. By touring I mean 150-200 kms in a trip. Let's see!

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Maybe you're thinking about the CB300R. The CB650R is not really in the same class as the Versys 300 and MT-03. The two Hondas look really similar but the 300 has a one cylinder engine and about 27 horsepower while the 650 has a four cylinder with around 90 horsepower. The 650 is a much heavier and more expensive bike. Out of the ones you mentioned though the Versys will be the most comfortable on longer rides but the Honda and Yamaha will be more maneuverable in city traffic. They're all good bikes so you can't go wrong with any of them. Good luck with your decision!

[@cliveomahoney4096]

There is some tingly vibration after 6000 revs. A bit more than I thought. But, for me, it just makes the bike feel alive. Nothing drastic. Never bought a better bike.

[@Mr300OG]

Wait where are you that you get it in black??? US only has red 😔

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I’m in Canada. Yeah, the black is sweet.

[@Mr300OG]

Soooo lucky!

[@Big_John_C]

Not true, I bought one in Grand Rapids Michigan, 1 of 6 black they had in the showroom.

[@3-body-problem]

For future reviews, I might suggest riding on your own. Having a thumping dirtbike beside you is distracting both visually and audibly. We want to hear the bike YOU are reviewing, not your mates. Just my 2c worth.

[@corepersonalfitness]

Fair

[@lindislindilicious]

Im thinking about this for my first bike. This or a R6 or ninja 636 or kawa z8-900. Wich one would be best in your opinion. Im 40 and responsible. But still want somrthing that will last.. so i dont feel i want to change next year. We also need to take a pretty hard MC license where i live. An mc is not something we can just go buy and drive away on. Im 6 feet tall. Another thing is that the bike needs to handle well when we are 2 on it

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Truthfully the only reason to get a supersport is if you're gonna do track days. If all you're doing is street riding then the naked bikes are more comfortable, better for two up, and may be cheaper on insurance. I don't know where you are but here in Canada insurance companies charge way more to insure a sportbike. The CB650R and the Z900 are better everyday bikes than an R6 or a 636, and probably faster on the street. Having said that, none of these bikes are great for two up. Those back seats are brutal for the passenger. Good for a short run but your passenger won't like you. If you want to go further with a passenger take a look at the Kawasaki Z900RS. Still sporty but much nicer back seat. Good luck with your search!

[@lindislindilicious]

Different Spokes TV ok thanks for the answer. I live in sweden. Insurances are horrible here. Its not that we are going to go on vacations on the bike. More that she will want to join noe and then.. and i want the bike to be able to perform well when that happens

[@classicdufferin8739]

@@DifferentSpokesTV dude just wanna ask i also live in canada what do you think has the cheapest insurance ninja 400r, honda cbr 650r or MT 07?thank you.

[@stanleyblazeraznik6047]

Hiding the speedo! You devil! The neo sport Honda's are too modern looking for me. I luv da EX retro but we can't get it in NA and who knows what Honda will do with the CB-F concept? Honda fell behind after Zuki and Kow imported their retros to NA.

[@danielerickson4893]

It's between this and the CBR650R for me. But I guess I've got a while to decide since the earliest I can get my driver's license is next summer and then I can get my motorcycle permit

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

The 650 is a bit heavier and way more powerful. Have fun. Either one is a great bike.

[@pauloalmeida2280]

In photos looks small bike but in real life its not that small. For a naked its big.

[@randoman75]

People think engines that rev well past 10,000 rpm and sound like F1 engines lack character?

[@fabiopereira765]

Doubt: CB650R or MT-09 SP?

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Depends how much power you need. The Yamaha is faster, the Honda is nicer looking. Also, some people think a triple sounds better than a four. Both good, reliable bikes.

[@fabiopereira765]

Different Spokes TV don’t need power. Just want the better choice for first bike. I love Honda design but it seems small comparing to Yamaha. And want the better one to go with another person.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I would go to the dealership and sit on both bikes with your passenger to see which one they feel more comfortable on. Some of these sportier bikes are not very well designed for passengers and those back seats can be pretty small.

[@fabiopereira765]

Different Spokes TV I will! Honda are sold out here in Portugal! 😅 Yamaha have a special seat for 2 persons. I am really in love by the blue CB650R with akrapovic exaust 🥺

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

It’s a beauty and it’s not that small. I’m 181cm and I was comfortable on it.

[@expatbiker6598]

At 11:55 you hit 104mph. I'm a snitch 4 sure. 😀😀😀😀

[@myparadiseing]

He's in Ontario, Canada so it's 104kph - if he was going 167kph (104mph) you wouldn't have been able to hear him speak.

[@rubeiko]

Yes how come the 650r cant overtake on d Crf dirt bike am waiting

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

It could. He was the ride leader and we weren’t allowed to pass him.

[@rubeiko]

@@DifferentSpokesTV i see coz im really in love withe 650r but am only 5 and 5 tall thats why am cosidering xsr700 what do u 🤔 think

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

The 650R is faster in a straight line but a bit heavier. Still, it’s not too heavy and not too tall. If you sit on one at the dealership and can touch the ground and move it around you should be fine. They are very different in power delivery. The Honda starts a bit softer and then hits hard at high revs where the Yamaha hits hard from the beginning but is not as powerful at high revs. If you’re willing to rev it the Honda is faster, but if you’re wanting immediate power then go for the Yamaha.

[@rubeiko]

@@DifferentSpokesTV thanks a lot for valuable info i got now i can decide well I really love the looks of CB650r

[@trilexi]

@@rubeiko The XSR ??? It's far worst than the CB650R in term of seat height

[@KB3.0]

When I get mine I am putting a pipe on it. Wouldn’t be right 😂🤷🏽‍♀️.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

That thing will howl with a pipe :)

[@KB3.0]

Different Spokes TV yes, yes it is 😌.

[@JW02828]

How tall are you??

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

I’m a tad over 5’11” or about 181cm tall. Hope that helps.

[@JW02828]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Thanks. I'm 5'8 so will my feet seat flat on the ground??

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

Should have no problem flat footing this one. I’m only a few inches taller but my knees were significantly bent. If you can go to a dealer and sit on one definitely do it. If you can get a test ride, even better. Good luck!

[@JW02828]

@@DifferentSpokesTV Thank you for the feedback. I'm looking at it to be my first bike.

[@DifferentSpokesTV]

That’s exciting. Congrats! Be careful. That four cylinder pumps out 90 horsepower. It’s smooth below 4000 rpm, so as long as you don’t go crazy on it right away, it should be a great bike to learn on.